I would probably send a quick email to the agency asking if they prefer if a headshot is retouched or not.

If there was no response, I would assume no retouching - but that would only mean that the lighting would have to be very flattering and do all of the 'blemish removal' before entering the camera. From what I know about the model industry (which isn't much obviously) a lot of the recruiting/ initial self advertisements are polaroids.

My understanding is that a model's portfolio should have blemishes removed etc. You want to show how good the model CAN look, not necessarily how they DO look. The retouchers who do the models for magazines etc. can and do remove blemishes and much more, so whatever you do for their portfolio can be done again by them, to an unbelievable degree. So I would say remove blemishes, whiten eyes and teeth, soften skin, remove stray hairs, remove/soften wrinkles, sharpen and enhance the eyes, the whole shebang.

For an actor's head shot, it depends. Mostly the actor's manager wants them to look good and get called in for an audition. However, it's a problem if the actor shows up and looks nothing like the photo. Casting agents hate that. So watch out for older actors especially. You don't want to make them look too young. i.e. You might soften wrinkes a little instead of removing them.

Am I wrong, or is virtually every shot on that site shot from above eye level, looking down? I know it's more flattering of an angle, but you'd think they'd use different angles SOMETIMES, wouldn't you?

Am I wrong, or is virtually every shot on that site shot from above eye level, looking down? I know it's more flattering of an angle, but you'd think they'd use different angles SOMETIMES, wouldn't you?

Am I wrong, or is virtually every shot on that site shot from above eye level, looking down? I know it's more flattering of an angle, but you'd think they'd use different angles SOMETIMES, wouldn't you?

If you are going to walk in with a portfolio you will want the pictures perfect! That is going to be the tool that the model uses to sell themselves to that agency and if they do like them, they will then go with the polaroids (head shot, full body shot, and profile) and then go from there. But usually unless you are scouted in the street by a rep from an agency I would definitely go with a perfect portolio under your arm!

Some agencies do accept online submissions or have certain days that they welcome drop-ins for new models to bring thier portfolio for viewing.